Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The purpose of the qualification is to combine the development of specialised skills and knowledge, with research mastery, by following one of two routes:

A. MSc (OT) (by coursework and research report)

B. MSc (OT) (by dissertation).

The qualifying MSc (OT) graduate is competent in research and can apply specialised knowledge, tools and techniques in advanced therapy and investigation in the practice or research of the discipline of Occupational Therapy in the health sciences, so contributing to the need in our country for health science practitioners who have a mastery of research in their field of study.

A learner must have previously gained a knowledge and understanding of both the structure and content of the discipline to be studied, and of related concepts and knowledge systems underlying the discipline. The learner should have had opportunities to use his/her knowledge to solve problems independently while considering the implications. This may have been achieved either by formally accredited learning or in part by experiential or work-based learning in Occupational Therapy.

Formally Accredited Learning

The typical applicant has a BSc (OT) of the University, or an equivalent University-approved qualification - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made, and is required to have completed the degree such that the levels would give the candidate a reasonable chance of reaching the specified outcomes, in order to meet the requirements for registration for an MSc (OT) - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES (ELO)

1 Research Mastery

The qualifying learner shows expertise in research and the ability to evaluate, teach and implement research findings in practice.

2 Specialist Knowledge of Occupational Therapy Practice and the Application Thereof

The qualifying learner is competent to apply specialist knowledge to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science problems.

3 Problem-Solving Ability

The qualifying learner is competent to perform high order problem solving techniques and to apply the specialised tools and techniques of the field of Occupational Therapy to the solution of such problems.

4 Attitudes and Values

The qualifying learner shows ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist Occupational Therapy practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.

5 Self Development

The qualifying learner will have acquired and will demonstrate self direction and independence in his or her learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his own progress.

Critical Cross- Field Outcomes (CCFO`s).

a) "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that the responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made"- See ELO 1, 2, 3 and 5.

b) "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community."- See ELO 2 and 4.

c) "Organising and managing oneself and one`s activity responsibly and effectively."-See ELO 1, 2 and 5.

d) "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information"- see ELO 1, 2 and 3.

e) "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion."- See ELO 2 and 4.

f) "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others."- See ELO 1, 2, 3 and 5

g) "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation."- See ELO 2 and 4.

h) "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

i. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;"-see ELO 5

ii. "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;"- see ELO 2,4 and 5; note that the learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.

iii. "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;" - see ELO 4

iv. "Exploring education and career opportunities" - see ELO 5.

v. "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities."- See ELO 2 and 5

1. Research mastery

The qualifying learner

• Shows research mastery through the production of a dissertation or research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results, draw conclusions and write the dissertation or research report in acceptable structure, style and language
• Conducts all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession
• Practices Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy by critically evaluating published literature in the field (e.g. on the topics of disability and treatment techniques) and applies it in practice

1. Specialist knowledge of occupational therapy practice and the application thereof

The qualifying learner demonstrates

• Both knowledge and application of that knowledge in a specialised field
• Competence as a practitioner in the field of Occupational Therapy and the Science of Occupation which includes
• Demonstration of leadership in advanced problem-solving
• Ability to work with others in a team
• Showing initiative and ability to work independently with professional responsibility in a specialised field
• Effective communication in any appropriate medium
• Effective and critical use of specialised techniques of Assessment including formal (standardised) and informal assessment techniques
• Effective and critical use of specialised techniques of treatment in Occupational Therapy related to Neurosciences, Perception and Psychiatry in the context of the community, socio-political environment, disease and disability prevention techniques.

1. Problem-solving ability

The qualifying learner demonstrates

• The ability to select, apply, evaluate and/or develop the most appropriate specialised approach to the solution of problems
• Application of diverse knowledge to development of appropriate solutions of problems, recognising wide-ranging factors including financial, environmental, health and technological aspects
• Use of specialist Occupational tools and techniques effectively and critically

1. Attitudes and values

The qualifying learner

• Shows respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture
• Where applicable, refers patients to practitioners who are more appropriately qualified than he or she is to treat certain conditions
• Demonstrates an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral, legal and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and the provision of care to populations
• Considers both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health
• Strives to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of this branch of specialist medicine.

1. Self development

The qualifying learner

• Uses appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist doctor and as a responsible citizen
• Acknowledges responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements
• Identifies personal limitations and develops the capacity of self audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

Integrated assessment

Research reports or dissertation serve as the medium for integrated assessment. Formative assessment is undertaken on a continuous basis, incorporating seminar presentations and papers, coursework assignments and tasks, as well as reports on research plans and designs. Such methods assess students` progress towards the professional and academic competencies set out in the exit level outcome listed above. The assessment instruments are designed to integrate clinical, theoretical and reflective competence. Furthermore in order to pass a course, and finally in order to qualify, the learner must demonstrate the advanced knowledge acquired.